epiphyte
noun
a plant that grows above the ground, supported nonparasitically by another plant or object, and deriving its nutrients and water from rain, the air, dust, etc.; air plant; aerophyte.
epiphytic
-
a word derived from
epiphyte.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But for the last 500 years, since the discovery of the pineapple — a terrestrial species, not an epiphytic one — bromeliads have been moved around the globe.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 22, 2023
Wood sorrel, dog violet and celandine were already in flower beneath the twisted branches of mature oak and birch, thickly draped in mosses, ferns and epiphytic plants.
From New York Times ● Jun. 27, 2023
In some habitats, the roots of certain plants may be modified to form aerial roots or epiphytic roots.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
Many plants, including epiphytic ones, depend on lichens for humidity and moisture.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 22, 2021
"Stamens six, hypogenous! anthers introrse! capsule cartilaginous, loculicidally three-valved, scurfy-leaved epiphytic!"
From "Some Say" Neighbours in Cyrus by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards
